Channel 4 has dropped Ortis Deley as main presenter of its coverage of the world athletics championships following hundreds of complaints from viewers.

Deley, previously best known as one of the hosts of Channel 5's The Gadget Show, has struggled in the live presenting role and was described by Giles Smith, a critic at the Times, as wearing an "expression that brings to mind furry creatures and headlamps".

But the coverage has not gone down well with some viewers; the number of complaints is said to be in the "low hundreds" since the championships began on 27 August.

Not all of the complaints related to Deley, with viewers also unhappy that the coverage is interrupted by advertising having previously been on the commercial-free BBC, a fact the broadcaster is unable to do anything about.

Deley will remain with Channel 4's presenting team in Daegu, South Korea, but will no longer be the main presenter.

He has been replaced by Rick Edwards, who presented the channel's world athletics highlights programmes.

A Channel 4 spokeswoman confirmed Deley would no longer be lead presenter of its coverage but said he would remain part of the broadcaster's presenting team.

"Channel 4 is committed to developing new presenting talent and this extends to our coverage of sporting events," said the spokeswoman.

"Ortis Deley's role in Korea covering the world athletics has been scaled back but he will continue to be on air for the duration of the competition.

"In total we have a team of 10 commentators covering this event from Michael Johnson and well-loved British athletes Dean Macey, Katharine Merry and Iwan Thomas to new presenters."

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